David Haviland ’64 has had a distinguished career here at Rensselaer. Over the course of his 45 years here, he has served in several different capacities, but always in a capacity to improve the school and the community. As he retires this month, we wanted to thank him warmly for his years of service to RPI and wish him well in his retirement.
While administrators’ terms of office in recent years seem to be becoming shorter and shorter, Haviland’s lengthy career is a noteworthy exception and demanding of praise. He has made many significant contributions here over the years and outside of his RPI roles, he also volunteers his time with many area not-for-profit organizations.
He first arrived on campus as a student in 1960, and during this time he earned three degrees from RPI. Following graduation, he swiftly became a faculty member in 1965, beginning in the School of Architecture. Through the years, his successful career progressed through the ranks from director of the Center for Architectural Research, associate dean of architecture, dean of architecture, and vice president for student life before he began his current role of vice president for institute advancement. On top of all this service to the campus, he was one of the primary developers of The Rensselaer Plan, taking notes during feedback meetings and drafting the actual document.
Haviland’s countless contributions to the RPI community were honored this Monday at a reception held in his honor. There, President Shirley Ann Jackson announced that at next spring’s Commencement he will be the third person ever to receive the Trustees Medal given by the Board of Trustees. Such a distinguished honor is befitting a man of Haviland’s character and dedication to the campus, but even something like this cannot begin to reward service of this kind.
We at The Poly are sad to see him go, but thank him for all of his work and wish him well as he begins the next chapter in his life.
